Blackjack Rules
The Object of Blackjack
Blackjack is far and away the most popular casino table game. Unlike other casino games, Blackjack is very much a game of skill. The player's goal is to either A) Have cards totalling closer to 21 than the dealer's, or B) Force the dealer to go over 21. In Blackjack, the player's hand competes only with the dealer's hand. The other players' cards and actions have no bearing on your play, unless you're interested in card counting, in which case you should read our Blackjack Card Counting Guide.
Players place their bets in wager circles in front of them, and the dealer deals each player two cards, beginning from his left. The dealer also gives himself two cards, with only one exposed to the players, while the other is face-down for only the dealer to see. Once a player has been dealt his first two cards, he may either "hit", meaning take another card, or "stand", meaning take no additional cards. After all players have made their decisions on their hands, the dealer then decides on his hand. Unlike the players, the dealer plays his hand according to the Blackjack rulebook. In most cases, the dealer will hit until he has reached 17 or more. In some casinos, dealers will also hit on soft 17 (an Ace and a 6).
Blackjack Card Values
- Ace - Can be either 1 or 11.
- 2-10 - Value as indicated on the card.
- Face Cards (Jacks, Queens and Kings) - All worth 10.
- A card's suit has no importance.
- A Blackjack is a two-card hand totaling 21, that consists of an Ace and any card with a value of 10.
- A Blackjack beats a multiple-card hand whose value is also 21.
Soft and Hard Hands in Blackjack
In the game of Blackjack, and Ace can be used as a value of 1, or a value of 11. A Soft Hand in Blackjack is one where the Ace can be used as either a 1 or an 11. For example, a player that is dealt and Ace and a 5 has the choice of counting this hand as a six, or as a sixteen. A Hard Hand in Blackjack is one where the player cannot use the Ace as an 11, and must use it as a 1. For example, a hand consisting of an Ace, a 4 and a 9 cannot be 14 or 24, as 24 would bust the hand. So it can only count as 14, making it a Hard Hand.
Player Choices
Upon receiving your first two cards, you must then decide how you would like to play your hand. Below are some of the options to consider. In addition, players should consult our Blackjack Strategy Guide, including a must-have Blackjack Strategy Chart.
Hit:
Hitting means taking another card. In a real, live brick and mortar casino, you can point to, or tap the table in order to signal to the dealer that you would like another card.
Stand:
Standing means taking no additional cards, and sticking with what you have. In a real, live brick and mortar casino, you can make a waving gesture toward the dealer in order to signal to that you don't want another card.
Split:
If you've been dealt a pair of matching cards, for example two 6's or two 7's, etc, you may split this pair into two entirely seperate hands. You must then place an identical wager beside your original wager, and the dealer will then deal you an additional card on top of each of your matching cards. In the event that you get another identical card, you may split your hand again (up to a maximum of four seperate hands originating from your one starting hand).
Double Down:
If you like your hand, you may double your original bet and receive only one card. For example, if the dealer is showing a 5, and your first two cards are a 5 and a 6, you'll want to Double Down on your bet for one more card.
Insurance:
When the dealer's exposed card is an Ace, players have the option to buy Insurance that his bottom card does not have a value of 10, and thus is not a Blackjack hand. The price of Insurance is half of your original bet, and pays 2-1. A Blackjack for the dealer will cause you to lose your original bet, thus effectively breaking you even on the hand. In the event that the dealer does not have Blackjack, you lose your Insurance bet.